ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Fifty percent construction work completed on 4-lane Dera Baba Nanak - Kartarpur corridor Highway
The construction work on a four-lane Highway connecting Dera Baba Nanak from Gurdaspur-Amritsar Highway to International border is progressing in full swing.
The 4.19 km long Highway is being builtat a cost of Rs 120 crores.
The Government of India approved development of Karatarpur Sahib Corridor project on 22.11.2018 and the foundation stone was laid by Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on 26.11.2018.
The land acquisition process for the project was initiated on 14.01.2019 and concluded on 21.05.2019.
So far,50% of the project work has been completed and the Highway would be completed by September 30, 2019.
The substructure construction work of the bridge i.e. piling, pile caps has been completed on the Indian side. Piers and Piers caps casting work is under progress along with girder casting work.
So far three technical level talks have been held with the Pakistani technical team to discuss issues related to this project such as zero point coordinates, finished road level, width of bridge at zero point etc. The Pakistan Authorities were apprised that India is constructing a bridge at the Ravi Creek on Indian side of International Border and requested Pakistan side to also construct a bridge on Budhi Ravi Channel on their side.
But Pakistan side initially proposed road on embankment and later on proposed causeway. Both these options are not acceptable as there will be danger to habitationson the Indian side in case of flood, and also the road will not be all weather.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Revival of HMT factory in Uttarakhand
The Ranibagh factory of HMT Watches Limited, in Uttarakhand, was established on 12.11.1982 with total employee strength of 986. This company is incurring continuous losses since 1993 and has been unable to meet the fund requirement for salary of its employees. Therefore, the proposal for closure of HMT Watches Limited was approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs  on 06.01.2016.
In pursuance of the CCEA decision, HMT Watches including the Watch Factory at Ranibagh has been closed by offering attractive VRS/VSS to the employees of the Company, as per 2007 pay scales, to the employees who have opted for the same. Remaining employees have been discharged after paying retrenchment compensation.
Since the company is already closed, question of establishing any other undertaking does not arise.
This information was given by the Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Arvind Ganpat Sawant, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
President of India Presents National Sports and Adventure Awards
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the National Sports and Adventure Awards at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
List of awardees is attached.
Ministry of Tourism
Right time to promote Medical and Wellness tourism:Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
Tourism Minister virtually attends the 5th meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board
Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism  Shri Prahlad Singh Patel virtually attended the 5th meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board today. The National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board was formed to address impediments to the growth of Medical Tourism and to provide dedicated institutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical Tourism, Wellness Tourism and Yoga, Ayurveda Tourism and any other format of Indian system of medicine covered by Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy . Eminent doctors like Dr Naresh Trehan of Medanta, Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health are among others members of the board.
During the meeting Shri Patel said that this is right time to promote Yoga, Ayurveda which will be the need of the times for people. Tourism Minister added that India has 34 hospitals which are accredited by the the Joint Commission International  and 578 under the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers .
Shri Patel said,“The number of hospitals under the international standards of JIC has to increase so that tourists have more hospitals to choose from. Under Ayushman Bharat a lot of hospitals have been upgraded. So now they will be incorporated into NABH and their level is elevated to JIC levels, so that people coming to India for medical tourism have more options. Infact, even visas will be granted based on recommendations from these centres and hospitals.”
Shri Patel said, “the Medical and Wellness tourism is rapidly growing. The Global Medical Tourism Market was worth USD 19.7 Billion in 2016 and estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 18.8 %, to reach USD 46.6 Billion by 2021 . Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest share of around 40% of the global market.”
Tourism Minister said that a More than 130 countries around the world are competing for a pie of this global business. The popular medical tourism destinations include India, Brunei, Cuba, Columbia, Hong Kong, Hungry, Jordan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and USA etc. It encompasses primarily and predominantly biomedical procedures, combined with travel and tourism. He added that the total number of inward medical tourists doubled in a span of just three years in India. In 2017, around 22 per cent arrivals from West Asia was for medical purposes, followed by 15.7 per cent from Africa, according to the Indian Tourism Statistics, 2018 report.
Special Service and Features
2nd G20 Development Working Group Meeting under Indian Presidency
The second day of the formal segment of 2nd Meeting of G20 Development Working Group  was held today at the KTDC Convention Centre with participation fromover 80 delegates from G20 Members, 9 invitee countries, and various international and regional organizations. The sessions were co-chaired by India’s DWG Co-Chairs – Ministry of External Affairs, Joint Secretaries Mr. Nagaraj K. Naidu and MsEenam Gambhir.
2. Detailed discussions on the priority areas identified by the Indian G20 Presidency for its DWG were held, with the first session of the day focusing on Lifestyle for Environment . There were presentations by experts from the UNFCCC, World Bank and International Energy Agencywhich highlighted how to bridge development and environment agenda through Lifestyle for Environment, financing provisions for greening of the economy and impact of LiFE aligned measure at global level. Countries pointed out the need to enhance interlinkages between the developmental and environmental agenda, by maximizing the synergies and minimizing the tradeoffs in our efforts to achieve both and deliberated on building a common understanding on Lifestyle for Environment.
3. In the following sessions, the delegates deliberated on how to strengthen G20 commitment towards achieving the SDGs by recognizing the needs of developing countries and contemporary challenges and how to address those through collaborative and collective G20 actions. Delegates also discussedthe need to enhance coordination and partnerships within and outside the G20 - between the Sherpa and Finance Tracks of the G20 and with the UN and International Organisations, toaddress the developmental challenges facing the world. Experts from OECD and UNDP presented on the various mechanisms to strengthen coordination and partnerships through collective G20 actions for achieving sustainable development. Recognizing the importance of financing in realizing developing countries’ ambitionsfor accelerating progress towards SDGs, presentations were made by UNDP on ‘the SDG Stimulus’highlighting the political and developmental needs for the stimulus to achieve the 2030 Agenda and by OECD on the addressing the bottlenecks faced by developing countries in accessing finance.
4. The second day ofmeeting concluded with the delegates experiencinga Sunset Cruise and the local culture of Kerala.
-NS-
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Digital Life Certificate camp held at SBI Cuttack
More than 100 pensioners submitted Digital Life Certificates through the camp
A Digital Life Certificate Submission Camp under the Nation-wide Campaign for Digital Life Certificate was organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare and State Bank of India under the guidance of Administrative Office, Bhubaneswar at SBI Cuttack Branch on Saturday.
Shri Vishal Kumar, Under Secretary, GOI, Shri Anshul Sharma, ASO, GOI, Shri T Chaitanya Reddy, Dy. Director, UIDAI attended the programme.
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This is a new initiative introduced by Govt. of India which facilitates submission of life certificate by pensioners digitally through Face Authentication Technology by Jeevan Pramaan APP. More than 100 pensioners submitted Digital Life Certificates through the new method at the camp. Shri Santosh Kumar Behera, AGM, Cuttack Branch was the Nodal Officer of the camp for smooth conduct of the programme.
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Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister meets Community Leaders in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh met the Community leaders including Representatives of Minorities in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi Mukhtijoddhas, Friends of India and Youth Icons.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived at Johannesburg in the afternoon of 22 August 2023.
Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by H.E. Mr. Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa at the airport. A ceremonial welcome was also accorded to Prime Minister Modi.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 139 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 21 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccinemanufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,39,02,60,790
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
21,06,50,896
More than 139 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 21Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh speaks with Australian Defence Minister over phone on mitigating COVID-19
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today held a telephone conversation with Australian Minister of Defence Ms Linda Reynolds.
The two Defence Ministers had discussions on their respective responses against the COVID-19 pandemic. Shri Rajnath Singh informed Ms Linda Reynolds on India’s contribution to international efforts against COVID-19 and discussed areas of mutual cooperation in the global fight against the pandemic. They also agreed that India-Australia Strategic Partnership provides a good basis for both countries to work together alongwith other countries in this regard to deal with the post COVID-19 related challenges.
Both ministers also conveyed their commitment to take forward the initiatives of bilateral defence and security cooperation under the framework of the India-Australia Strategic Partnership.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No.01/2020 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in supersession of the notification of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs No.91/2019-CUSTOMS , dated 19th December, 2019 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 3rd January, 2020, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.
SCHEDULE-I
|
|
Sl.No.
|
|
Foreign Currency
|
|
Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
|
|

|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
1.
|
|
Australian Dollar
|
|
51.15
|
|
48.90
|
|
2.
|
|
Bahraini Dinar
|
|
195.25
|
|
183.15
|
|
3.
|
|
Canadian Dollar
|
|
55.90
|
|
53.90
|
|
4.
|
|
Chinese Yuan
|
|
10.40
|
|
10.05
|
|
5.
|
|
Danish Kroner
|
|
10.90
|
|
10.50
|
|
6.
|
|
EURO
|
|
81.50
|
|
78.45
|
|
7.
|
|
Hong Kong Dollar
|
|
9.30
|
|
9.00
|
|
8.
|
|
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
|
243.05
|
|
227.60
|
|
9.
|
|
New Zealand Dollar
|
|
49.25
|
|
47.00
|
|
10.
|
|
Norwegian Kroner
|
|
8.25
|
|
7.95
|
|
11.
|
|
Pound Sterling
|
|
95.85
|
|
92.55
|
|
12.
|
|
Qatari Riyal
|
|
20.10
|
|
18.85
|
|
13.
|
|
Saudi Arabian Riyal
|
|
19.65
|
|
18.40
|
|
14.
|
|
Singapore Dollar
|
|
53.90
|
|
52.05
|
|
15.
|
|
South African Rand
|
|
5.25
|
|
4.95
|
|
16.
|
|
Swedish Kroner
|
|
7.75
|
|
7.50
|
|
17.
|
|
Swiss Franc
|
|
75.05
|
|
72.15
|
|
18.
|
|
Turkish Lira
|
|
12.35
|
|
11.60
|
|
19.
|
|
UAE Dirham
|
|
20.05
|
|
18.80
|
|
20.
|
|
US Dollar
|
|
72.15
|
|
70.45
SCHEDULE-II
|
|
Sl.No.
|
|
Foreign Currency
|
|
Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
|
|

|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
1.
|
|
Japanese Yen
|
|
66.85
|
|
64.35
|
|
2.
|
|
Korean Won
|
|
6.35
|
|
5.95
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for Distribution of aids and assistive Devices to Divyangjan at Niwari, Madhya Pradesh.
A ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for distribution of aids and assistive devices to ‘Divyangjan’ under the ADIP Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India will be organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  in association with ALIMCO and District Administration Niwari Stadium, Shaskiya Uchattar Madhyamik Vidyalaya No. 2, District Niwari in Madhya Pradesh.
Chief Guest of the function Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minster Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the camp in which total 737 aids and assistive devices of different category of disabilities worth of Rs. 45 lakh were distributed free of cost to 409 pre identified Divyang beneficiaries of the Niwari District in Madhya Pradesh under the central government ADIP Scheme.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion Union Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister central Government has implemented various welfare schemes for developing an inclusive society and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Informing about the work done by his ministry minister said that central government is committed towards the empowerment of marginalized Divyangjan and other poor section of society.
Union Minster informed that adhering the vision of Atamanirbhar Bharat, ALIMCO a CPSU under his ministry has indigenously developed a modern cane ‘Sugamya Cane’ for visually impaired persons, the cane launched on 14th feb, 2022 by the minister during the distribution camp held in Tikamgarh. Sugamya Cane Device is an Assistive Aids consisting of Sugamya Cane Sensor and a Normal Foldable White Cane, assists to a Visually Impaired Person intelligently in mobility and direction-finding.
Minister also informed about recently launch of ‘Swavlamban Kendra’ the new initiative of his department to provide Skill Development Trainings at District level and the repair service facility that will open new avenues for self employment for youth particularly Divyangjan. Minister announced that similar kind of Swavlamban Kendra will be established in the District of Niwari in near future.
Different type of assistive devices which are to be distributed among identified Divyangjan registered during assessment camps at Block Level includes 183 Tricycle, 60 Wheelchairs, 202 Crutches, 78 Walking Sticks, 02 Rollator, 09 Smart Phone, 26 Sugamya Cane, 08 C. P Chair, 06 MSIED Kit, 30 Hearing Aid,133 Artificial Limbs and Callipers etc.
Shri Anil Jain MLA, Niwari, Shri Ranjan Sehgal, CMD, ALIMCO, Shri Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi, Collector, District Niwari other senior officials from District Administration, Niwari and ALIMCO were also be present during the function.
Ministry of Textiles
Government approves projects under the Research & Development scheme for improving sustainability of Textile Industry
The Government has approved followings projects under the Research & Development scheme for improving sustainability of textile industries. The details are as under:-

|
|
S. No
|
|
Project name
|
|
Name of TRA/ Institution
|
|
Sanctioned amount
|
|
Released amount
till date.
|
|
1.
|
|
Development of alternative eco-friendly process for reduction clearing of dyed or printed polyester fabric using oxidation technique including advance oxidation.
|
|
MANTRA, Surat
|
|
17.78
|
|
7.112
|
|
2.
|
|
Development of Eco-clothing by greener reduction process of natural indigo dye.
|
|
SITRA, Coimbatore
|
|
8.64
|
|
3.456
|
|
3.
|
|
Coating / Finishing of Textile based on jute and other natural fibre for technical applications.
|
|
DJFT, Kolkata
|
|
17.5
|
|
9.625
|
|
4.
|
|
Development of Eco-friendly Natural Fibre Based Textiles  with simultaneous Natural Dyeing and Natural Finishing and to establish Natural dye / finish Mark
|
|
DJFT, Kolkata
|
|
38.5
|
|
26.95
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
82.42
|
|
47.143
The Government has approved one project to Bombay Textile Research Assocation  for the study on effluents management in Textile processing Industries titled as “Analysis of Eco-management in Indian textile processing Industry”. The Outcomes of this project are as under:-
- 49 units  were audited to understand the current status/level of the eco management system.
- The Data was generated for listing of the significant impacts, water and fuel consumption in the processing plant, inlet and outlet effluent characteristics, air emissions/pollution levels etc.
- Awareness and Knowledge sharing Conference for the participating mills as well as for others in textile industry was organized on 27th April 2018. The topics on need of eco management status and need, Chemical management system, ETP-ZLD case study, overall sustainability case study and Energy conservation in textile processing industry were discussed. Also, the in-depth Training program for participating mills as well for others was designed and conducted in BTRA Mumbai from 20th Aug 2018 to 25th Aug 2018 and 25th Sept to 29th Sept 2018.
- The review audit was carried out in mills. During the review audit the improvements were seen in the areas like understanding and preparation of water balance diagram, process wise water consumption mapping, waste segregation, taking target for process water consumption reduction and awareness regarding the importance of Environmental management system .
- The problems faced by industry and gaps against EMS were identified and listed.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles Smt. Darshana Jardosh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Telephone conversation between PM and Prime Minister of Mauritius.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with H.E. Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius.
Prime Minister Jugnauth conveyed his condolences for the losses caused in India by Cyclone Amphan. He thanked PM for sending the Indian Naval Ship 'Kesari' to Mauritius as part of 'Operation Sagar', with a consignment of medicines and a 14-member medical team to help the Mauritian health authorities fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister recalled the special people-to-people ties between India and Mauritius and said that India is duty-bound to support its friends during this time of crisis.
Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for the effective COVID-19 response mounted by Mauritius under Prime Minister Jugnauth's leadership, which has resulted in no new cases being reported for several weeks. He suggested that Mauritius could document its best practices, which would be helpful for other countries, especially island countries, in dealing with similar health crises.
The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in various areas including measures aimed at supporting the financial sector of Mauritius, and enabling Mauritian youth to study Ayurvedic medicine.
Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for the health and well-being of the Mauritian people, and for maintenance of the uniquely warm relations between the two countries.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
The Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Irani to chair the National Conference of States/UTs at Kevadiya, Gujarat
National Conference to consult States/ UTs on Ministry’s three key missions; POSHAN 2.0, Mission Vatsalya & Mission Shakti
It also aims to carry out consultations on other initiatives of WCD Ministry recognising the crucial roles of States/UTs in implementing the same.
This conference would reaffirm our goal of Suposhit Bharat which can only be attained through the coordinated efforts of Central and State Governments.
The Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Irani will chair the National conference which will be attended by the Minister of State for WCD, Dr Mahendrabhai Munjapara. Ministers of various States and Additional Chief Secretaries / Principal Secretaries of Women and Child Development / Social Welfare Departments of States/UTs will participate in the Conference.
The key event will begin on 31st August 2021 with a tribute to the Iron Man of India, the great visionary, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity. Subsequently, planation of nutritive saplings - of each state by the WCD Ministers of state would be a representation of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ This will promote the plantation of Poshan Vatikas / Nutri-gardens across the country.
The Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani will give the keynote address later in the day, sharing her vision for the future of women and children across India. Dr Munjapara Mahendrabhai, Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development will also address the gathering.
The conference will focus on presentations of each of the three missions focusing on the challenges and expectations from States/UTs. Each of these presentations by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India will be followed by a feedback and interactive session with representatives from States / UTs. In addition, the Chairpersons of NCPCR and NCW who are working extensively on child rights and women’s empowerment have also been invited to speak to share their opinion on key issues.
A presentation on global indices related to women and children would also be made at the conference .
The conference with States/UTs reflects the true spirit of our federal structure and would result in coordinated and convergent efforts for the development and welfare of women and children of the country.